WHAT HAPPENED NEXT ASSEMBLY SERIES
This series is based on what happened after Jesus had come back to life.
Children are taught the Easter story most years at school and are aware of what happened to Jesus and his friends around this time. After this however, not much is taught or known.
This assembly series aims to teach what happened next and to offer a thought and reflection for children as they live their school lives.
An overview
Week oneThe walk to EmmausLuke 24:13-34
Week twoJesus appears to the disciplesLuke 24:35-42
Week threeJesus appears to ThomasJohn 20:24-29
Although this is a 3 week series, these assemblies could be used on their own.
Assembly one
The walk to Emmaus
Bible passage
Luke 24:13-34
Aim
To challenge the children to think about what people recognise them for.
Introduction
Introduce the theme for the next few weeks by holding up an Easter Egg (If you have one, chocolate if not) and a fluffy chick or rabbit. Ask the children how they think these two things are linked (Easter).
Explain that although they may not think of it straight away, they will probably know the reason that we have Easter (ie, Jesus died and rose again). Most people know this but not many people know what happened after Jesus had died and come back to life. Explain that this is what we are going to be thinking about over the next few weeks.
Game
Say that today we are going to play a game called “Spot the year 6”. Pick a volunteer and blindfold them. Tell them that you are going to get out 3 people from the audience – one will be a year 6 and the other two will be from other years. One at a time, they will say “I am the real year 6”. All the volunteer has to do is work out which is the real year 6. Play the game a few times, building the excitement.
Talk
Sometimes it was very difficult to recognise who the year 6 was because they didn't want you to work out who it was. In our story today, somebody else wasn't recognised until they did something very familiar.
Story
Re-tell the story of the road to Emmaus from Luke 24 verses 13 – 34.
Challenge
The two people walking down the road didn't recognise Jesus until he did something very familiar – broke the bread and prayed. As I thought about this story, I thought of you. I wonder what you do that makes others recognise you?
Do people recognise you because of the good that you do or speak?
Or do people recognise you because you lose your temper all the time, or call people names? Or hurt others? Which is it?
Assembly two
Jesus appears to the disciples
Bible passage
Luke 24: 35-42
Aim
To teach the children that Jesus is a friend who wants to get close to us. HE can be completely trusted.
Introduction
Recap on the previous week (The Road to Emmaus).
Game
Play the Key blindfold game. One person sits in the middle of the circle blindfolded with some keys in front of them. Someone in the circle is silently selected to move as quietly as possible round the outside of the circle then into the middle to grab the keys without the blindfolded person pointing at them. Everyone must remain as quiet as possible. Play it a few times, not choosing volunteers who have made noise during other people’s go.
Explain that the aim of the game was to get as close as possible to the blindfolded person without them realising. In today’s story, Jesus wanted to get close to his disciples but he also wanted them to realise it was him and not a ghost!
Story
Luke 24:35-42
Challenge
Jesus had come back to life and he wanted to show the disciples that he was back. Unfortunately they freaked out until Jesus showed them his wounds. Jesus wants to get close to us today too. He offers us an amazing friendship that lasts forever. We can’t see him but as a Christian I believe we can see the effects of his friendship in our lives. I have found Jesus to be a friend that can be trusted completely.
Reflection
What type of friend are you going to be today?
Can you follow Jesus' example of being completely trustworthy?
Assembly three
Jesus appears to Thomas
Bible passage
John 20:24-29
Aim
To teach the children that sometimes it is good to ask questions and learn for yourselves. Don't just believe something because somebody tells you.
Introduction
Recap on the previous week (Jesus appears to the disciples).
Game
Celebrity masks. Choose some volunteers and get them to close their eyes. Put a mask of a celebrity on them and then say they have 10 questions to guess who it is. The audience can only answer yes or no.
Story
John 20:24-29
Challenge
Thomas couldn’t believe that Jesus had come back to life. He doubted what the other disciples had said. He needed to see it for himself. And Jesus doesn’t tell Thomas off for doubting or asking questions. Sometimes we don't ask enough questions. Maybe in class you don't ask questions because you are embarrassed. Maybe you don't ask your friends questions because you don't want them to know that you don't understand. Maybe you don't ask your parents questions because you think they might get cross with you. Jesus didn't do any of those things. He wanted Thomas to find out for himself.
Reflection
It’s much better to ask questions and work things out for yourselves. If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask. Talk to somebody you trust or you could even talk to God!
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